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Friday, 5 May 2017

Diesel scrappage scheme expected to be announced

A "targeted" diesel scrappage scheme will reportedly be launched in areas where air pollution is at dangerous levels.

Under plans set to be announced by the Government, motorists are expected to be offered cash to scrap or "retrofit" older diesel vehicles emitting high levels of nitrogen dioxide.

In some cities speed bumps could be removed to cut pollution from cars from slowing down and speeding up.

Ministers were ordered to draw up new clean air plans following a court challenge by environmental lawyers ClientEarth, with the High Court ruling that existing proposals to meet EU-mandated pollution limits were insufficient.

The Government attempted to delay publication of its air pollution plan until after the General Election, but was told by the High Court that there were "exceptional circumstances that make publication essential".

The Prime Minister has previously indicated she would not punish drivers of old diesel cars, citing Labour's backing of low-sulphur fuel in 2001.

Theresa May said: "Past governments have encouraged people to buy diesel cars and we need to take that into account when we're looking at what we do in the future."

ClientEarth said it would "thoroughly analyse" the Government plan, adding: "If we do not think they are in line with the court order…then we will consider our next steps."

It called for the introduction of "clean air zones" which would impose charges to keep dirty diesel vehicles out of polluted towns and cities across the UK.